Abstract
COPD is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide, and accounts for 1 in 8 of all hospital admissions in the UK. A National UK audit (2008) showed that 33% of COPD patients were readmitted within 3 months.
Objective: The aim was to implement a COPD discharge care bundle on the respiratory ward in order to improve quality of patient care, ensure early follow up, and reduce readmissions.
Methods: Using improvement methodology and regular education for healthcare professionals, a discharge care bundle was piloted for 6 months on the respiratory ward at West Middlesex Hospital. A multi-disciplinary team used a bespoke reporting tool to record weekly measures of bundle compliance. Regular project team meetings were held to assess progress.
Results: A baseline audit of 50 patients admitted to all general medical wards was compared to 50 patients discharged from the respiratory ward using the care bundle. Results showed that referrals to the smoking cessation service in current smokers increased from 25% to 100%, written information on COPD given to patients increased from 4% to 100%, inhaler technique demonstration increased from 10% to 100%. The number of patients who were given a 4 week out patient appointment increased from 30% to 95%. All patients using the bundle received a 3 day post discharge phone call. Regional CQINN data shows a 39% reduction in 14 and 28 day readmissions, since introduction of the bundle.
Conclusion: Implementation of a COPD discharge bundle can improve patient experience and reduce readmission rates with COPD.
The project was funded and supported by NIHR CLARHC for NW London.
- © 2011 ERS